VT Intentional Peer Support Hub
What is Intentional Peer Support?
Intentional Peer Support (IPS) is a peer support approach developed by psychiatric survivor Shery Mead in the 1990s. IPS is a way of thinking about and inviting transformative relationships. Practitioners learn to use relationships to see things from new angles, develop greater awareness of personal and relational patterns, and support and challenge each other in trying new things.
IPS is used across the world in community, peer support, and human services settings, and is a tool for community development with broad appeal to people from all walks of life.
For over a decade, IPS has been a foundational training supporting the fidelity of peer work across many agencies in Vermont. As of 2025, the IPS Core Training is a prerequisite for the path to certification in VT as a Certified Peer Support Provider (CPSP).
What is the Vermont IPS Hub?
IPS training is stewarded by Intentional Peer Support, LLC, otherwise known as IPS Central. IPS Central distributes training authority through a system of regional hubs. Each designated hub is given the authority to provide IPS trainings for their region. Pathways Vermont Training Institute is the designated IPS Hub for the state of Vermont.
The VT IPS Hub offers statewide Intentional Peer Support training through the Peer Workforce Development Initiative. These opportunities are available at subsidized rates thanks to PWDI grant funding from the Vermont Department of Mental Health.
Additionally, the VT IPS Hub offers contract IPS trainings to agencies and organizations. To make an inquiry for a contract training, email us directly at training@pathwaysvermont.org.
To learn more about Intentional Peer Support, visit IPS Central’s website at intentionalpeersupport.org
